Cornell falls to Wartburg

WAVERLY -- Cornell juniors Ben Rosen and Carl Gaul recorded bookend wins over highly-rated individuals as the No. 28 Rams had their moments in a 34-13 dual loss to top-ranked and unbeaten Wartburg Thursday night in Levick Arena.

Cornell (5-3) collected three match victories against the two-time defending national champions. The 13 dual meet points are the most allowed by Wartburg (14-0) against a Division III foe this season.

Rosen gave the Rams an early lift with a 5-4 triumph over third-ranked Gilberto Camacho in the opening bout at 125 pounds. The upset moved Rosen's record to 18-12 on the season, and put Cornell ahead 3-0 in the dual.

The Knights went on to win the next seven matches – four of them pins – to take control of the meet with a 34-3 lead.

The Rams finished the dual strong, getting wins and bonus points from junior 197-pounder Alex Coolidge and Gaul at heavyweight in the final two matches. The second-ranked Coolidge (23-3) handled Steven Kleamenakis in a 14-5 major decision.

Gaul (20-10) provided the final highlight with a third-period pin over sixth-ranked Ryan Fank in 6:13. A late move gave Gaul his team-high 13th fall of the season, and 40th of his career.

In a rated matchup at 149, Cornell's fourth-ranked freshman Trevor Engle dropped a 13-9 decision to No. 2 Kodie Silvestri. Engle moved to 21-6 on the season.

Cornell 174-pounder Brent Hamm also fell by decision, 9-3, to fourth-ranked Dylan Azinger. At 141, freshman Samuel Chalkley lost a 12-2 major decision to Tommy Mirocha.

Cornell's Scott Smith at 133, Daniel Ball at 157, Colin Bertucci at 165 and Kevin Stahmer at 184 all lost by fall against nationally-ranked opponents.

Coming up – The Rams return to action Feb. 2 for Loras' Duhawk Open in Dubuque. Cornell's next dual meet is Feb. 6 at No. 26 University of Dubuque.